We are renting a mini van (Espace, I think) for six adults and all our luggage. Has anyone had experience with this vehicle in Italy? Will there be enough luggage space for 6 medium to large suitcases and people, too? The rental company has not been able to help with this question. <BR>Thanks, Brenda

If you can afford it, rent two vans for six people and bags. Otherwise, one bag per person 'should' do it. These vans are 95% seating and 5% trunk/storage space.

Brenda, it depends. How's the foreplay?

If the combined weight of the six passengers exceeds 900 pounds or if the combined weight of the luggage exceeds 180 pounds, I would recommend one NINE-passenger van, or two medium sedans (you don't need two mini-vans). <BR> <BR>Your one alternative might be to tie luggage on the roof. Although this may sound like traveling a la Beverly Hillbillies, it is not such a bad plan. Take one or more large canvas duffel bags to put as "over-protection" to whatever luggage you plan to put up there. <BR> <BR>Finally, don't take any luggage that you would describe as large. Ideally, any piece of luggage you are taking to europe should pass this test. Hold it above your head, then RUN up one flight of steps. If you can't do this, it is too large. <BR>

Thanks for the suggestions. We thought about the nine seater, but didn't want to drive a huge vehicle for the entire vacation when our only concern was getting from the airport to our destination and back with the luggage. The mini van is a 7 seater so maybe it will work. <BR>

The Renault Espace is truly a minivan. I doubt if you will get all your luggage into it. The suggestion of two vehicles could work, though packing lighter is the best. I'm guessing you'll be traveling from town to town vs. staying in one location and doing day trips? If the latter is the case, then it is doable. <BR> <BR>I am surprised the rental company cannot provide you with more info. Who are you using? We usually use Auto Europe and they have a brochure which shows vehicles and their capacities. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

I recommend you get two sedans; we were 8 in France, and chose to get 2 sedans i/o one minivan - and we were very glad we did. Minivans have minimal luggage space; it means everyone has to travel to the same place at the same time. With two cars, we had more luggage and leg room, plus the ability to split up and go two places. It also gives people a chance to split up if there's a clash. If someone's not feeling well, there's room to lie down in the backseat.

If your only concern is getting the luggage back and forth to airport Maybe you could rent the six passenger and fill it with luggage. Allow two or three passangers to take the airport shuttle to and from hotel. It will cost a little extra but not as much as renting a second vehicle or as difficult as driving a nine passanger vehicle on small Italy streets.

Here's the original "Does size matter?". Hope this helps.